Neymar delighted to see 'idol' Robinho back in Brazil squad

The Barcelona star is overjoyed to see the AC Milan forward return to international football after replacing Diego Costa in the Selecao squad

Neymar has said he is delighted to see Robinho return to the Brazil squad for the upcoming friendlies against Honduras and Chile.

The AC Milan attacker is back with the Selecao for the first time since 2011 and his international team-mate, who has been up against him recently with Barcelona, is thrilled to see him back.

Speaking at a press conference in Miami, where the World Cup hosts will face Honduras this weekend, Neymar said: "Living with Robinho has been wonderful - you all know he's been an idol since my childhood.

"After he returned to play at Santos our friendship grew and we are still very good friends to this day.

"I'm glad to be seeing the joy that Robinho is showing here today as if it were his first ever call up."

Neymar also discussed the injury to Barca team-mate Lionel Messi and spoke of his desire to win the Champions League with the Argentine this season.

He added: "Messi is injured and like everyone he does not like to be hurt - although Leo feels it even more.

"Today he is sad because he always wants to be on the field playing and training. I hope he recovers soon.

"The Champions League is the best competition of clubs I have ever seen. I hope I can win it in my debut season."

Since arriving in Miami, the forward has enjoyed meeting up with recently-retired David Beckham and NBA megastar Lebron James.

Neymar said: "I am enjoying the city of Miami, it's very beautiful. The meeting with Beckham was very emotional.

"I am very happy to have met Lebron James, who is an idol. I went to see the basketball game and got very excited like a child. For me he is the best."

The ex-Santos star also discussed his growth since moving to Spain in the summer and admitted the World Cup is a tournament that is regularly on his mind.

“Of course I grew up in Brazil with Santos and as you mature you learn new things and a new language so it’s good for humans and I am growing naturally," continued Neymar.

"The Honduras game itself is very important for everyone, we know that and our goal is to win the World Cup.

"We know that there is a lot of pressure and that it’s practically a must, we but know it will be difficult and we must keep training hard to achieve what is a dream for us all Brazilians.

"I have always made assists and setting up goals is always a way to help my team. Now I'm able to giving even more assists and I am happy be helping my national team.

"We have a fine selection of players in addition to those who are here because we have others missing in attack. My position remains the same. Professor Felipao has said the three of us - Oscar, Willian, Neymar - would not have a fixed position with one on the right, one in the middle, one on the left."

The 21-year-old concluded by discussing the Fifa Puskas award, for which he has been nominated after his goal against Japan at the Confederations Cup.

"I do not know which is the most beautiful of the ten goals that are competing for the prize - I hope it will be mine," he said.